The Stoddard Firm Secures $14 Million Verdict in Sexual Assault Case

Attorney Matthew Stoddard, owner of the Stoddard Firm, has successfully obtained a $14 million verdict in the State Court of Cobb County on behalf of a client who suffered a violent sexual assault while on a business premises. The verdict, which also includes attorney fees, reinforces the accountability of property owners and businesses to maintain safe environments for employees and visitors.

The case arose from a traumatic incident on the evening of June 26, 2023. The plaintiff, an employee on site at the property, had just exited the office to retrieve her vehicle from the parking lot when she was approached by two armed individuals. They forcibly stole her purse and then sexually assaulted her. The perpetrators have not been apprehended.

Get a Consultation

Contact us or Call us today

The Plaintiff alleged that property managers have a duty to be reasonable about providing a safe environment. Evidence presented at trial revealed prior criminal activity in the same parking lot, including an earlier assault and robbery, highlighting a known risk that had not been addressed.

A critical aspect of the case was expert testimony from a licensed psychotherapist, who detailed the extreme psychological and emotional trauma experienced by the plaintiff. The expert described ongoing anxiety, fear, and permanent emotional injuries, helping the jury understand the profound and long-lasting impact of the assault on the plaintiff’s life, work, and well-being.

The Stoddard Firm alleged that the property had negligently failed to maintain a secure environment, including:

• Inadequate security measures and patrols
• Failing to warn employees and guests about prior criminal activity, and
• Ignoring reasonable measures to detect or deter crime

The Court ultimately entered a judgment against the Defendant for $14 million which included compensation for both physical and emotional injuries as well as attorney fees.

The judgment provides compensation for:

• Personal injuries and permanent psychological harm
• Past, present, and future pain and suffering
• Mental anguish and loss of enjoyment of life
• Medical expenses and related costs
• Lost wages and diminished capacity to work

Get a Consultation Now

Contact us or Call Us

Attorney Matthew Stoddard emphasized the broader significance: “This verdict is not only about financial compensation—it is a clear message that property owners must take the safety of their employees and guests seriously.”

Sexual assault cases involving workplace or property negligence are complex, requiring meticulous investigation, expert testimony, and careful presentation of evidence. The Stoddard Firm documented prior criminal activity, highlighted lapses in property security, and demonstrated the long-term psychological impact on the plaintiff.

This verdict underscores the legal and moral responsibilities of property owners to prevent foreseeable harm. By holding negligent parties accountable, the Stoddard Firm continues to advocate for victims and promote safer workplaces and public spaces.

About the Stoddard Firm

The Stoddard Firm represents victims of serious personal injury and the families of those killed. The firm is committed to securing justice for clients and holding negligent parties accountable for preventable harm.